Holsters

Most holsters are created with three things in mind: to protect a handgun, secure its retention, and provide ready access to the weapon. The ideal holster is an important piece of gear that strikes a balance between meeting individual needs and personal preferences.

Gun holsters are much more than simple firearms accessories. They're vital physical links between a shooter's sidearm and their body. A well-chosen holster, whether brand new or well worn, offers a comfortable, accessible perch for a handgun. A poorly designed or haphazardly selected holster can mean the difference between good and poor carry and draw stroke, or even life and death.

Firearms enthusiasts who have an affinity for vintage holsters can find hand-tanned leather specimens that date from the mid 1800s through the late 20th century, some made by Old West artisans. There are also more recent creations by quality makers like Galco, who created a Western rig for U.S. President Ronald Reagan. For auction watchers in the market for holsters with a special provenance, historically relevant examples sometimes reach the block, such as the gun belt and holster used by John Wayne in "El Dorado," which sold at a 2011 auction for $77,675.